Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet last month. I had to decide which were the best ones to share. Hope you enjoy them.

Here are some historical novels that have or are coming out.

This Writing Workshop is close by. Deciding whether I want to go to it or not.

I think I might have to get something from this shop.

I've read 4 Judy Blume books this year, so I found this interview with her interesting.

I think I might use this technique the next time I need to cast on a lot of stitches.

Always looking for more ways to craft for charity. Here's another.

If you enjoy Jane Richmond's knitting designs, here's an interview with her.

And this new lace knitting book might be going on my wishlist.

It seems that adult coloring books are a bigger thing than I thought. Here's some free coloring pages, if you're into it.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

     It's been a while since I've done one of these posts. I haven't been spending much time on the internet this summer so I haven't been finding many things to share. I think I'll be doing Around the Web posts only once or twice a month during the summer. We all have better things to do anyway, don't we? Except for yesterday; it poured rain all day here. Bright sunshine this morning so I'm sure we'll be outside soon. Hope you are having a nice day where you are and enjoy the links.

Elise linked to this shop yesterday on her weekend links post but the stuff is so me, I had to share it here as well.

I really want to try dying yarn.

Already thinking about 2016? Here's a free printable planner.

I have metal and bamboo knitting needles. Interesting to learn how needle material affects gauge. 

I really want to make this and hang it above my desk. Although I don't want an orange background. I bet my sister would though.

Canoe Ridge Creations started a Scrappy Irish Chain QAL this month. I haven't joined but love the different layouts she suggests in this post. You should look around her site if you haven't been before. She has some great patterns.

I love trees so I love this little embroidery pattern.

I wish I drank coffee because I would definitely try this Atwood coffee.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

First some crafty links:
Crazy Mom Quilts is starting a Scrappy QAL.

I couldn't stop thinking about this quilt, so I bought the pattern (on sale until the end of today). Think I will put it on the to-make list for 2016.

Free pattern to knit a chocolate chip cookie.

Another amazing poppy display.

I'm still searching for podcasts to listen to. Here's a list of a few I might try (I already listen to the first one).

Elise talks about what to do when you have "too many ideas".

And now for some not-so-crafty links
Writing competition with Margaret Atwood.

Seems like an interesting idea to clean the oceans.

I might need to plant some of these. Although, I planted marigolds last year and I spent all summer chasing squirrels who would dig them up and run away with them.

Do you need this for Christmas, mom?

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are a few interesting things I found on the internet this week. Short and sweet today. Enjoy.

Trying to decide what to read this summer? Here are a few suggestions.

I think I have to buy the ingredients for this. Yum.

This looks awesome. Found out yesterday that Anna is returning to Ann Arbor this summer - July 11th. Definitely going to see her again.

We might have to take the kids to Toledo for this.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Posting a little late this week as I choose a desperately needed nap over blogging. Here are a few interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

New to Ravelry? Or want to know more about participating in threads? Shannon had a great post this week that could help.

How to make your own bias tape for sewing.

Our family had a rare vacation 4 years ago to Cannon Beach, so I had to buy this pattern.

Learn to knit faster? Yes, please. I've been thinking about learning how to knit continental but I might give flicking a try. Here are some videos to explain what I'm talking about. Or help you become a faster knitter.

My daughter becomes a teenager in just over a week. She has requested cupcakes but I haven't shown her this cake yet.

I've been turning the tv off more in the afternoon and listening to more podcasts. Elise's episode about Fear was one I liked this week.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

Since Mother's Day last week, I came across some mom stuff. The Yarn Harlot wrote a great Mother's Day post. And CNN posted this article about Midwives. All 3 of my children were born with the help of midwives (2 at home). I wish more people were open to the idea of midwives (our insurance didn't cover either of our home births but they were worth the money. Actually, I would have paid more for the excellent care I received.)

And I came across 2 reviews of this book this week. Looks interesting. One review here. And here is the other. Time for more cleaning/ organizing/ purging?

I think everyone has habits that they'd like to change. Here's a quick reference on how you might do it.
Or listen to this podcast about what is wrong with the concept of Time Management.

Now for some crafty links.

I love the idea of these buttons.

Support a new Canadian knitting designer.

Of course seeing this post, led me to this. A new hobby perhaps?

I was a little excited when I found out about this. My husband is allergic to cats so getting to hang out with them would be a real treat.

And yesterday was the anniversary of a very sad day, 25 years since the passing of Jim Henson. We should all watch Muppets this weekend to remember him. Here's a little something to get you started.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Happy Mother's Day! 

Here's some of the interesting things I found on the internet the past couple weeks. Enjoy.

This made my week. Or maybe even year.

There's a few KALs that will be starting soon. Very Shannon's annual Tops, Tanks and Tees Knit Along (TTTKAL) starts on the 13th. I think I'm finally going to make a Low Tide cardigan. I've been wanting one for a couple years. Bought yarn for it but never started. 

And The Loopy Ewe's Camp Loopy starts June 1st but you should order your yarn now to get a discount and for it to arrive in time. I ordered some bamboo yarn to make this tank. 

I found this quilter/blog during Sew, Mama, Sew's Giveaway Day last week. She's having a Mystery Quila Along starting in June.

Want to support an independent yarn dyer? I haven't decided which level I'm going to do yet.

An adorable free pattern released in celebration of the birth of Princess Charlotte.

Or perhaps you'd like to knit something a little bigger?

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

I didn't even know about this until the article about the answer. Her birthday seems obvious... now.

Want to make something for Mother's Day? Here's a list of tutorials that might help.

I just picked this book up from the library yesterday after reading this review. I also borrowed Stephen King's 11/22/63. Two Kennedy themed novels? Kind of excited to read them.

I have a lot of empty spools. This pinterest board has some great spool crafts. Haven't decided what I'm going to do with all my spools yet.

And here are some of the things I pinned this week on pinterest.

I love this blanket by Tin Can Knits.

I've been looking for a good felted knitted slipper pattern and found this one and this one.


And like every girl who loved reading "Anne of Green Gables" and wanted to marry Gilbert, I was very sad to hear that Jonathan Crombie passed away. I had always hoped that they would redo the third movie - which doesn't follow the books at all, their sons fought in WWI not Gilbert - but now I guess we can never revisit Anne and Gilbert. I think I'll be reserving the movies from the library and rewatching them very soon. I can remember one summer when I was a kid, my sister was frustrated with me that I was watching "Anne of Green Gables" yet again and commented that I could probably watch it with the sound off and my back to the tv and would still say all the lines at the right time. And she was probably right.

Around the Web With a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found no the internet this week. Enjoy.

I think I might need a pair of these pajama bottoms.

I probably eat enough popcorn to justify buying this.

An interesting look at the drought in California, water restrictions and crops. Turns out almonds aren't so bad.

I remember doing a project on Brontosaurus' in Grade 3 so this made me happy.

Another knitting book I might have to get.

And here are some of things I pinned this week on pinterest.

Fell in love with this scarf

And cowl designed by the same person.

Need to find some rocks to do this.

Love how off-centred this quilt is.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the  interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

I just requested this book from the library.

An article on what's wrong with parenting today. And one way to fix it.

April is poetry month and the CBC has a bunch of different articles to read. There's also a contest.

The Yarn Harlot met an Astronaut! And made him hold some knitting.

As a mom, I like this idea. As a wife of man who is employed by universities, I worry.

Different ways to make yarn? Sure. Learning to spin is on my to-do list once Floyd is older and stops getting into all my stuff.

I think Floyd would enjoy this.

I guess I come from a creative family. My sister quilts and my brother is a painter. I think we should thank our parents for encouraging us and letting all three of us be creative as kids. Thanks mom and dad.

And here are some of the things I've pinned on pinterest this week.

A crocheted basket.

Some beautifully knitted fingerless mitts.

And I might need some yarn to make these socks in time for Halloween.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

A girl can dream about a place like this, right?

Did you see Anna's giant Gnome?

Margaret Atwood told some Canadian jokes.

Interesting results of a reading habits survey.

A great post with advice about knitting for babies.

And here a couple things I pinned this week:

I think I may have to make us a set of Yard Yahtzee. Maybe my parents need one, too.

A crocheted shawl perfect for Spring.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

I think this shirt is going on my wish list.

This is for you, mom. Maybe you should move to Oregon.

I think this knitting stitch would make a great cowl. 

Caught on the Kiss-cam.

Makes me want to knit a Pi shawl.

And things I've pinned this week:

Tutorial on binding curves.

I think I have some nieces, nephews and kids who need this hat.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

I don't know how it's been a whole month since I've written an Around the Web post. I blame life getting in the way, but it's supposed to. Enjoy some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week.

Has everyone else been enjoying all the lovely quilt pictures from QuiltCon? There have been some quilts that are very inspiring. Sew, Mama, Sew has lots of pictures. Rebekah's blog has some great pictures, too.

Who wouldn't want to make or have a giant gnome? Or perhaps you'd like to make a whole bunch of little gnomes to go to South Korea?

This wonderful story reminded me that I need to make some more hats for charity.

I've read a couple of Rachael Herron's books and really enjoy her blog. Here is an interesting interview with her about her new book.

This article about how to raise nice kids is a good read. I like that they list the Why? How? and Try this for each idea.

And in celebration of International Women's Day, here is a list of some amazing female authors. Of course, Margaret Atwood and Jeanette Winterson are on it.
And I love how awesome female athletes have been for Canada. This article highlights how they brought home most of the medals at the last three Olympics.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Here are some of the interesting, crafty things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

Some free knitting patterns released this week. A  cowl. And a rose, perhaps to make for your Valentine?

And if knitting isn't your thing, maybe you can sew something for your Valentine.

I'm trying to resist this Quilt-Along.

I made a set of these a few years ago for a niece. Think Floyd might need a set.

This looks like a great idea for those who love yarn. 

This post makes me feel better about the amount of fabric scraps I have. But hers are organized better than mine.

Geometry and crocheting go together? Who knew.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Have two weeks worth of links saved up. I'll try to be selective. I know you don't have a ton of time mom. 

Enjoy.

I see a solids quilt in my future. I really want to make one.

Some great ideas for using up fabric scraps. 

This might be the best knitting post I've read this year. Or ever.

I haven't read any of these. Have you?

An interview with author, Celeste Ng. I read her book last year and enjoyed it.

All 3 of my kids were born with the help of midwives so I have a soft spot for novels about them. Here is a two part interview with two authors who wrote novels about midwives. Part 1 here. Part 2 is here.

A sad day for the literary world. I think "Thornbirds" was the first grown-up mini-series I watched.

Who knew writing could make you happy?

An artist friend recently opened an easy shop. We have 2 original paintings hanging in our house and love them.

I think I might do this in March.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

This post is a day late since I spent most of my spare time yesterday writing. This past week I've added over 8,000 words to my NaNoWriMo novel but I'll talk more about that on Wednesday. Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet last week that I wanted to share. Enjoy.

Looks like 2015 has some great books coming out: Fiction here and non-fiction here.
And because I can't seem to get enough of CBC Books, here is something else that might interest you.
Have always wanted to write but can't find the time? This might help.

I think this is a great read for anyone who works from home, and that includes stay-at-home moms because that is a job, too.

I have to admit, I'm so happy that I found Elise's blog. I think I link back to her blog several times a month and some times have to limit myself to just one post a week to link to. I feel we are very similar yet very different and I just like how she writes. She's a version of me, but with a lot more confidence. Her latest project looks amazing.

I haven't done this yet but it looks like a lot of fun.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

After one full week back home after the holidays, things are starting to feel like they are back to normal. Here are some of the interesting things I found on the internet this week. Enjoy.

Don't know what to read? Here are some ideas. And here are some more.

Looking for some new writing blogs to follow? Find some interesting ones here.

And a great post about how to write a book.

Tips on improving your free-motion quilting.

Some really cool sci-fi/ fantasy knitting.

Mochi mochi knitting patterns are on sale this month. Very tempting.

I may know somebody who would like this lego kit.

I've been inspired by Rachael and have slowly been going through things this week and ridding myself of stuff that I have moved too many times. It feels great to let it go.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

 It's been a few weeks since I've done one of these posts. I had plenty of links ready to share but eliminated some to make this a shorter post. Hope your cup is full. Enjoy.

Lots of book links.

Want to read more this year but don't have a lot of spare time? This list might have the book for you.

Some of the bestsellers of 2014. Did you read any?

What is Canada going to read this year?

I love our library but these ones are amazing.

I might try to do this in 2015. Good way to read a lot of different books.

Crafty links.

Love this yarn.

Great examples of creativity.

A little something to help you finish up all those quilting WIP's this year.

A round-up of some great tutorials.

I have always found art journaling a little intimidating but maybe this will convince me.

A little bit of everything else

I came up with some of these for our kids as part of the advent quilt. Found these after.

Who doesn't love owls?

This might be the best 2014 round-up I've seen on a blog.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

Another week, another post of links. Enjoy.

I love this idea, although I'm more likely to knit the shelf.

Some good titles on this list.

I always knew reading was good for me.

A great gift for a knitter and also a great charity.

I'm not participating but this should be lots of fun.

Not exactly sure how I stumbled upon this but it was lovely to read.

I might have to do something like this next year with our advent quilt.

A review that doesn't give too much away.

What do you think of 2015's colour?

And because not every link should lead to something happy. I can't believe yesterday marked 25 years since the Ecole Polytechnique Massacre. I remember that happening and realizing for the first time that someone may want to hurt me either physically or with their words just because I was born a girl. And the sad thing is, 25 years later, I don't think women are any better off.

Around the Web with a Cup of Tea

     My week away from blogging has been a nice break and I have lots of finishes that I'll share this week. I was also able to do a little reading this month, so on Wednesday I'll wrap up what I read in November and what I hope to read in December. 

     Now it's time to share some of the interesting things I found around the internet the past two weeks.

Ever wonder what a knitter is talking about when they use the terms,"frog it" or "tink"? This will help you understand.

A helpful guide in knowing how much yarn you'll need for a crochet project.

And if you knit and try to take pictures of your knitting, you'll know how difficult it is to make it look right. Here are some helpful hints.

A gift for a Canadian knitter? Or one that loves Anne of Green Gables.

And these would make great stocking stuffers, too.

Now onto some writing links.

Having a writer's website might be something I do next year. This article will help.

And for all those who did NaNoWriMo or just want some help editing.

If you love supporting writers, you might be interested in this.

And some random stuff.

My daughter doesn't really play with Barbies any more but I'm really tempted to get her this doll. Maybe the toddler would enjoy it.

I technically still have an etsy shop but haven't sold anything in it for years. Here is a great article about the good and the bad of selling on etsy.

I think I should listen to more podcasts. Here is small list that will help me get started.

And finally, this is one of the best things I've read on the internet.